The Australian Government  has extended Round 2 of the $148.5 million Drought Community Support Initiative (DCSI) program until the end of this year.

Federal Minister for Drought, David Littleproud announced the extension saying the government would stand by regional Australia as it deals with the impacts of drought and the Covid-19 pandemic.

“DCSI payments of up to $3,000 are already assisting farming families to meet urgent expenses, including for food, petrol and utilities, and they have let us know how much this extra support has meant to them,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The injection of money into rural and regional communities is supporting local businesses which were already struggling financially before the Covid-19 crisis. 

The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Society are delivering Round 2 of DCSI to eligible farming households who live or work in one of the 180 Local Government Areas eligible for the Drought Communities Program Extension.

“The charities advise that they are still receiving applications from farming households seeking assistance because of ongoing financial hardship,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Both are responding to requests from drought-affected families in high need, and I commend both organisations for their professionalism and hard work during these times.”

Head of Community Engagement at The Salvation Army, Stuart Glover, said the announcement brings some certainty to family budgets during this period.

“The extension of this funding allows us to continue to support farming households who are in need because of this ongoing drought.”